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Grill vs. grille

As a noun, grill refers to (1) a cooking surface using parallel metal bars, (2) a device that cooks with a grill, or (3) a restaurant offering grilled food. As a verb, it means (1) to grill, or (2) to question relentlessly. Grille, which is only a noun, usually refers to a grating used as a screen or barrier on a window or on the front of an automobile.

To get all up in [one’s] grill is to be extremely annoying, especially through nagging or by covering an opponent closely while playing a sport. Also, in American slang, a grill is a plate molded to the teeth, usually decorated with diamonds or gold. Grill is the conventional spelling for both of these uses even though these senses of the word presumably derive from grille.

Examples

Grille

The 200 S has a black chrome grille and 18-inch wheels with black accents. [Automobile Magazine]

Police said the thieves climbed a security grille and broke through a second-storey window. [Stonnington Leader]

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Grill

Maryland lawmakers are planning to grill utility company representatives next week about why so many customers were left in the dark following last week’s snowstorm … [Washington Post]

It may be winter, but don’t try telling that to the grill — or the people who use them. [Delta Optimist]

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Comments

It should be: “It may be winter, but don’t try telling that to the grill–or someone who uses one.” Or it should be: “It may be winter, but don’t try telling that to the grills–or the people who use them.” Or it should be: “It may be winter, but don’t try telling the grill that–or someone who uses one.” Or it should be” It may be winter, but don’t try telling the grills that–or the people who use them.”